ALAN Picks: Midyear Highlights and Call for Reviewers
2022 Book Review Highlights
This month ALAN Picks is highlighting the books reviewed so far in 2022 by ALAN members. As you take time to rejuvenate yourself this summer, check out these unique reviews written by your fellow educators that include lesson and assessment ideas. They might be a nice fit in your own classroom with your students. Click on the link embedded in the month to read the reviews.
Become a Reviewer
Have you thought about becoming a reviewer for ALAN Picks? Now is the time to take that step! If your summer reading TBR (To Be Read) list has a newly released or soon-to-be released middle grades or young adult novel or nonfiction book on it that you think would work in the classroom, contact ALAN Picks to submit your review!
We are always looking for book reviews to feature in the monthly ALAN Picks column. If there is a title you are interested in reviewing, just send an email to richetta.tooley@gmail.com. You can submit reviews once a year or once a month. You can even partner with another educator and write a review together! It’s up to you!
Need ideas on what books to read and review? Here are a few:
- Any book in your ALAN Workshop book box
- Check out book award lists: 2022 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award Finalists, National Book Awards, YALSA book awards, Walter Dean Myers Awards, ALA Awards
- Netgalley: Once you create an educator account, you can request digital ARCs (Advanced Release Copies) to review
If you are looking for new books for your classroom and engaging ways to use them with students, then check out the new ALAN Picks! Book reviews by educators for educators!
– Richetta Tooley, ALAN Picks Editor
Submit a Review: Would you like to submit a review? Check out ALAN Picks for submission guidelines and email ALAN Picks Editor, Richetta Tooley at richetta.tooley@gmail.com with the book title you are interested in reviewing. Rolling deadline: Submit by the 15th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s issue.
June 2022
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon.
Reviewed by: Chaslyn Waldrop, Student Teacher studying at University of Tennessee Knoxville
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Reviewed by: Marissa Inman, senior at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Secondary Education graduate candidate, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer
Reviewed by: Heather Garcia, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Secondary ELA and Media, Charlotte County, Florida.
May 2022
Don’t Call Me a Hurricane by Ellen Hagan
Reviewed by: Heather Garcia, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Secondary ELA and Media, Charlotte County, Florida.
April 2022
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
Reviewed by: Heather Garcia, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Secondary ELA and Media, Charlotte County, Florida.
Little Killers: The Ferocious Lives of Puny Predators by Sneed B. Collard III
Reviewed by: Rick (Richard A) Williams, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH
March 2022
Pony by R.J. Palacio
Reviewed by: Heather Garcia, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Secondary ELA and Media, Charlotte County, Florida.
February 2022
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Reviewed by: Heather Garcia, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Secondary ELA and Media, Charlotte County, Florida.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Reviewed by: Daniel (Danny) Samelson, Student Teacher studying at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.